University of Melbourne confers Honorary Doctorate on First Nations theatre practitioner Rachael Maza AM

The University of Melbourne has conferred an honorary doctorate on Rachael Maza AM, one of Australia’s most respected First Nations theatre practitioners and cultural leaders.

The Doctor of Fine Arts and Music was conferred at a ceremony on Saturday 13 December. This prestigious honour recognises and celebrates Rachael Maza’s outstanding contributions to First Nations theatre.

Of Yidinji heritage from North Queensland, Meriam from the Torres Strait Island of Mer, Rachael Maza has dedicated her career to the power of storytelling as a force for truth-telling, self-determination, and social justice.

As Artistic Director of ILBIJERRI Theatre Company since 2008, Maza has transformed the landscape of First Nations theatre. Her visionary leadership and artistic excellence have positioned ILBIJERRI as a major national and international voice for Indigenous theatre.

Maza’s artistic career spans acclaimed performances in Radiance, The Dreamers, The Sapphires, and Beautiful One Day, and her directing credits include Big Name, No Blankets, Stolen, Chopped Liver, Jack Charles v The Crown, Foley, Which Way Home, and My URRWAI. Across these works, she has brought First Nations stories, languages, and experiences to audiences around the world, fostering cultural understanding and inspiring new generations of Indigenous artists.

Her achievements have been recognised through numerous awards, including the Uncle Bob Maza Memorial Award for Outstanding Contribution to Victorian Indigenous Theatre (2003), the Drover Award – Touring Legend (2017), the Australia Council Theatre Award (2019), and the Green Room Lifetime Achievement Award (2021). She also holds an Honorary Doctorate in Performing Arts and an AM (Member of the Order of Australia) for her contribution to the performing arts and the promotion of Indigenous voices.

Beyond the stage, Maza continues to shape the national arts landscape through her leadership roles, including Co-Chair of the First Nations Arts and Culture Board of Creative Australia.

Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music, Professor Marie Sierra said: “Rachael Maza’s extraordinary vision, creativity, and integrity have made her a transformative figure in Australian theatre and a powerful advocate for First Nations. I congratulate her on this fitting recognition of her immense contributions to theatre and the performing arts.”